HBASC honors many at Annual Meeting in Myrtle Beach

Last week the HBA of South Carolina met for its annual meeting and convention in Myrtle Beach. Members participated in numerous education sessions. The highlight of the week was the Celebration of Excellence, where several were recognized for their contributions to the South Carolina housing industry.

Hall of Fame

Representative William E. “Bill” Sandifer and John Templeton were inducted into the South Carolina Housing Hall of Fame.

Representative Bill Sandifer is a strong champion of housing who has had a remarkable affect on the housing industry. He recognizes the impact which the housing industry has on the economy and has worked tirelessly to protect it. Rep. Sandifer’s efforts have been instrumental in keeping home prices affordable so that all South Carolinians will have a chance to realize the American Dream of home ownership!

John Templeton has had a long career in developing quality housing opportunities, which has added to the quality of life for a large number of S.C. families. His professional career led to his passion to advocate for property rights and affordable housing and his founding of the S.C. Landowners Association.. Mr. Templeton has been a leader in the effort to preserve and to even restore the right of South Carolinians and people around the country to control their own property. His efforts have been instrumental in shaping and making successful what is likely the most significant property rights movement in the nation.

Builder and Associate of the Year

Calvin Snow of CVS Builders, LLC, in Greer and Frank B. Norris of the Frank B. Norris & Company, Inc., in Columbia are the 2011 recipients of the Thomas N. Bagnal Builder Member of the Year and HBASC Associate Member of the Year awards, two of the most prestigious HBASC awards. Both awards are given to individuals who demonstrate the same qualities as the awards namesake, Thomas N. Bagnal. These qualities include; tireless service to their community, home builders association (HBA) and to the home building industry.

For more than 30 years, Greer’s Calvin Snow has been building and remodeling homes, and 17 of those years has been with CVS Builders, Inc. Snow is very active in the Greater Spartanburg HBA, currently serving as vice president and twice voted as Builder of the Year in 2008 and 2010. On the state level and in addition to District 4 Vice President, he serves on the Certified Master Builder Committee. Snow is a supporter and sponsor of his high school alma mater, Byrnes High School, serves on the Spartanburg Board of Tax Appeals and has worked on numerous Habitat for Humanity projects. He and his wife, Sharron, have 3 children, Robert, Julia, and Matthew, and two grandsons, Isaiah and Eli.

According to many of his peers, Snow is a highly regarded home builder and member of his community. Jennifer Bradey-Hoy, Executive Director of the HBA of Spartanburg, calls him, “An asset to the entire industry. There may be no better person who exemplifies the title 'Thomas N. Bagnal Builder Member of the Year' than Calvin Snow for his efforts as a builder, member of our association, community volunteer, friend and family man.”

Frank Norris has been an ardent supporter of the home building industry and a member of the HBA for more than 40 years. He has served as committee chairs on both the local and state associations and continues to give generously of his time and resources. Frank Norris has testified in Senate and House Committee hearings on behalf of the home building industry and the citizens of South Carolina. He has played vocal rolls in reducing the statute of repose from 13 to 8 years, fighting to oppose the mandate for sprinklers in houses; as well, he has met many times with lawmakers throughout the discussions of the Crossman case involving general liability for builders.

According to Earl McLeod, Executive Director of the HBA of Greater Columbia, “Frank Norris started his company more than 25 years ago with the tenet to provide the tools and service to make those in the building industry successful. A goal he continues to practice every day for the benefit of our community, industry and Association.” Frank continues to be an active supporter of the Columbia HBA; has given his time serving on the board for the local chapter of the National Association for Mental Illness; and also serves on the board for Sharing Precious Memories, a non-profit organization that provides trips for families of special needs children who otherwise could not afford to travel. Frank and his wife, Mackey, have two sons, Sadler and Charley.

The HBASC commends both men on their commitment to the home building industry and to their community.